Differences between publishing in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle on Amazon KDP

Paperback books are more convenient and affordable, hardcover books offer greater durability and longevity at a higher price, and Kindle digital books are sold and distributed instantly, saving you production and printing costs.

In this article, Jordi Ordóñez explains the differences between the three book options on Amazon KDP, so you can decide whether you prefer to publish in paperback, hardcover, or Kindle.

What is Amazon KDP and how does it work

Before delving into the differences between paperback, hardcover, and Kindle, it’s important to understand what Amazon KDP is. Kindle Direct Publishing is a self-publishing platform created by Amazon that allows authors to publish their books in both digital and physical formats. The advantage of KDP is that it doesn’t require significant upfront investment and offers great flexibility in terms of pricing, royalties, and creative control. Additionally, books published on KDP are available worldwide, providing authors with global exposure.

The platform offers several format options, so authors can choose the one that best suits their book and target audience. The three main formats available on KDP are Kindle eBooks, paperback, and hardcover.

What’s the difference between paperback and Kindle

When we talk about paperback and Kindle formats, we are referring to two very different types of books. The first is a printed book, while the second is a digital book.

Paperback

Paperback books are printed on paper with a flexible cover. On Amazon KDP, this format is ideal for authors who want to offer a physical option to their readers without worrying about upfront printing costs, thanks to the print-on-demand option.

Advantages of paperback:

In this section, we’ll explore the key advantages of choosing paperback for your book on Amazon KDP, from its accessibility to its print-on-demand benefits.

• Tangible experience: Readers who prefer the experience of reading a physical book tend to favor paperback books.
• Affordable price: Generally, paperback books are priced lower than hardcover books, making them more accessible to a wider audience.
• Print-on-demand: Amazon KDP offers print-on-demand, meaning a copy is only printed when a sale is made. This eliminates the risk of having to invest in large print runs.

Kindle

On the other hand, Kindle books are digital formats that can be read on devices such as Amazon Kindle e-readers, tablets, smartphones, and Kindle apps for PC and Mac. Kindle eBooks are distributed instantly, allowing readers to download the book and start reading immediately.

Advantages of the Kindle format:

The Kindle format revolutionized the way people read, offering a digital alternative that brings unparalleled convenience and accessibility to readers worldwide.

• Instant access: Readers can purchase and start reading a book right away, without waiting for physical delivery.
• No printing costs: As a digital book, there are no production or printing costs, making it more cost-effective for the author.
• Efficient distribution: There's no need to worry about storage or physical distribution, as everything is handled digitally via Amazon’s platform.

What’s the difference between paperback and hardcover

Hardcover books have a rigid cover, making them more durable and resistant than paperback books. Amazon KDP also offers the option to publish hardcover books, but there are some key differences compared to paperback.

Advantages of hardcover:

Hardcover books are often seen as the premium option, offering a level of durability and prestige that appeals to collectors, bibliophiles, and readers who appreciate a high-quality physical book.

• Greater durability: Hardcover books provide better protection for the pages and are ideal for books that are expected to have a long shelf life, such as deluxe or collector's editions.
• Perceived higher quality: Hardcover books are often seen as higher quality, which can justify a higher price.
• Ideal for illustrated or oversized books: Hardcover is particularly popular for illustrated, art, or children’s books, as it offers a better visual presentation.

Disadvantages of hardcover:

While hardcover books offer numerous advantages, they also come with some notable drawbacks that authors should consider before choosing this format.

• Higher price: Hardcover books are more expensive to produce than paperback, which can lead to a higher selling price.
• Higher printing costs: Like paperback books, hardcover books on Amazon KDP are printed on demand, but the cost per unit is higher than for paperback.

Hardcover is particularly popular for illustrated, art, or children’s books, as it offers a better visual presentation. For example, educational books like the Lectómetro Escolar para niños y niñas de 5 a 7 años.

What is a pocket edition, hardcover, and Kindle

When we talk about a “pocket edition” we are referring to a compact and affordable version of a book. Pocket books are typically paperback and are characterized by their smaller size and accessible price. Although Amazon KDP doesn’t have a specific category called “pocket edition” paperback books in a reduced size can be considered a pocket version.

On the other hand, hardcover and Kindle are two very different formats. Hardcover is ideal for high-quality and collectible books, while Kindle is the most accessible and convenient option for digital readers.

What does hardcover mean on Amazon

On Amazon KDP, “hardcover” refers to a printed book with a rigid cover. This option is available for authors who want to offer a more premium version of their book. Hardcover has higher production costs, both for the author and the consumer, but it can be a great option for those looking to offer a more exclusive product.

How to publish a book on Amazon

Publishing a book on Amazon KDP is relatively easy. All you need is an Amazon KDP account, prepare your manuscript in the appropriate format, and upload it to the platform. Amazon offers tools like the KDP Cover Calculator, which helps you create a cover that fits the platform’s requirements, and the option to choose between paperback, hardcover, or Kindle formats.

Advertising on Amazon KDP

To improve your sales on Amazon KDP, it’s recommended to use the advertising option provided by the platform. KDP advertising campaigns allow you to promote your book through sponsored ads, which can increase its visibility and attract more readers. The key is to create effective ads that reach the right audience.

To improve your sales on Amazon KDP you might also consider exploring additional promotional tools like Quenarras.

Amazon KDP royalties

The royalties you can earn on Amazon KDP depend on the format of your book and the price you set. For Kindle books, you can earn royalties ranging from 35% to 70%, depending on the selling price. Paperback and hardcover books also have variable royalties, but the percentage is generally lower than for eBooks.

If you're looking to enhance your Amazon selling strategy, check out our eBook: Guide to Selling on Amazon for expert insights and tips.

If you need personalized advice on how to optimize your Amazon KDP publication or have questions about which format is best for your book, contact Jordi Ordóñez. Your success as an author is just one click away!

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